Getting a Pet? Adopting from a Shelter May Save You Money

Are you considering getting a pet? Have you visited pet shops or breeders in search of your new family member? You might want to look into shelters, too. Why? Every year, between six and eight million animals enter the shelter system, and four and a half million never make it to a forever home; they’re put to sleep instead. Not only is that a sobering statistic, but here’s a little known fact: nearly a quarter of the animals in shelters each year are purebreds. I know each time I’ve visited the animal shelter to adopt a pet (my dog Cannie Belle came from a local shelter), I’ve seen many a Bichon, Pug, or Golden Retriever.

If you’re trying to save money, it might be a good idea to let go of the idea of a purebred. There’s some evidence that a pure-bred kitten or pup is not only more expensive at the outset (for instance, a pure-bred Golden Retriever can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000), but that they can cost more over the life of the pet, particularly when it comes to veterinary care.

I know each time I’ve visited the animal shelter to adopt a pet, I’ve seen many a Bichon, Pug, or Golden Retriever.

Responsible breeders claim that the extensive genetic testing they do on their animals, plus the temperament tests, make purebreds more reliable in both behavior and health. But then again, many veterinarians disagree. Genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia tend to follow purebred dog lines, and according to some studies may be under-diagnosed by as much as 80%. In addition, some breeds come with breed-specific deformities and medical complications as a result of their breed features; for instance, bulldogs—while adorable—often suffer from breathing issues because of the flat nature of their noses. Similar cat breeds such as Himalyans also suffer from breathing issues thanks to flat noses.

On average, dogs cost more than cats over the course of their lifetime, according to the ASPCA, and pets like small mammal, fish, or birds cost even less than cats. (Read more here about comparing the cost of pets.) Most of the expenses occur in the first year for initial vet visits, spaying or neutering, and training and stocking up supplies like food bowls and litter pans. But you could potentially cut that first year cost in half by choosing a shelter pet instead of a purebred.

Choosing shelters over breeders could impact how much we all pay in taxes each year: after all, according to the Humane Society, it costs the United States two billion dollars a year to “impound, shelter, euthanize and dispose” of those 4.5 million animals that are put to sleep in shelters each year.

So if you’re planning to add a new pet to the family, think about stopping by your local animal shelter. You could save money while saving a life!